Big Red Report–focus on defensive lines

Tempo, tempo, tempo. It is something the Husker coaches have been stressing to all of the offensive players this week. That will be all the more important this week as Nebraska prepares for Arkansas State, a team with an athletic and talented defensive lin.We heard offensive coordinator Shawn Watson offer some suggestions to quarterback Zac Lee, something as simple as staying in the huddle to the get the play instead of running to the sideline. Wide receiver’s coach Ted Gilmore says the main thing is an attitude of having a presence.

This Arkansas State defense is pretty athletic and they got a good defensive tackle and a defensive end by the name of Alex Carrington who offensive line coach Barney Cotton says is comparable if not better to any Big 12 defensive linemen they are going to see. Credit the RedWolves, they’ve got Louisville and Iowa on their schedule later this season. Running back Roy Helu says NU is not overlooking Arkansas State.

At the time, Alabama was ranked second and Arkansas State lost 36-0, and last year, this team beat Texas A & M in the season opener 18-14, and beat Florida Atlantic by 14, so this should be a better test for the Huskers.

The Huskers defensive line was questioned a little about their inability to get to Florida Atlantic’s quarterback, but defensive coordinator Carl Pelini wasn’t too critical of Ndamakong Suh and the line, the Owls did well in pass protection.